Power plant with motorless feed pump

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a novel method for operating a thermal power plant or refrigeration cycle in which a spent low pressure working fluid is recycled to a high pressure vaporizer using temperature control within a heat exchanger instead of employing a working fluid feed pump. While the non-steady process is similar to a Rankine cycle, technically, it is no longer a Rankine cycle.

Provisional application previously filed: This applicant respectfullyclaims the rights and advantages of a provisional application filed Nov.1, 2004, under the same title. U.S. PTO #17513, 60/623828, Filed Nov. 1,2004 The present application contains at least one claim specificallyidentical with that filed with the provisional application.

PARTS LIST

-   10 vaporizer-   20 expansion engine-   21 venturi device-   22 converging/diverging nozzle-   23 expander-   30 electric generator-   40 1^(st) heatexchanger-   41 2^(nd) heat exchanger-   42 3^(rd) heat exchanger-   50 1^(st) valve-   51 2^(nd) valve-   60 evaporator-   80 thermal energy source-   90 heat sink the working fluid feedpump, and prior to entry of    working fluid into the boiler. Reheat, recuperated heat, and    regenerated heat, extracted steam, and superheating are legitimate    attempts to increase the net efficiency or net work of simple    Rankine cycles by manipulating the heat content, temperature and    pressure to one or more secondary turbines. These embodiments    include a progression from simple Rankine cycles to so-called    “reheat cycles” in which steam is extracted from various stages    within a primary turbine, and the extracted steam is sent to a heat    exchanger, recuperator, regenerator, and/or superheater where heat    is added to the steam. The steam is variously directed to the boiler    or to another turbine at a lower pressure than the primary turbine.    The net efficiency and net work is usually higher than in a simple    Rankine cycle. Reheat cycles are a feature in most modem steam and    organic Rankine cycle power plants.

Simple Rankine cycle and reheat Rankine cycles all employ one or moreworking fluid feed pumps. In fact, all Rankine cycle style power plants,including those previously mentioned, and multiple working-fluid cyclesas exemplified by ‘Kalina’ cycles, employ working fluid feed pumps torecycle working fluid to the boiler(s). Feed pumps require power tooperate. Some feed pumps are powered by electric motors, others arepowered by power output of a main turbine, and others are powered by adedicated steam turbine. The present invention relates to a power cyclein which a spent working fluid is recycled without engine or motorpower, nor with the use of a pump or steam injector.

All Rankine cycles, combined cycles, and cycles utilizing extractionsteam, recuperation, regeneration, cycles utilizing a single workingfluid, cycles in which more than one working fluids are combined, orcombined and consequently separated, are cycles which require a fluid tobe recycled by a working fluid feed pump. The present inventionincorporable in all of the above named Rankine cycle embodiments where acondensed working fluid must be returned to a boiler, evaporator,vaporizer or heat exchanger for re-vaporization.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternativemethod of operation for the cycling of a spent working fluid in athermal power plant and to accomplish said recycling without the use ofa compressive-type working-fluid feed pump, nor a high speed vaporimpact ejector, nor any other type of mechanical working fluid feedpump.

In a portion of the present inventor's previously patented method (U.S.Pat. No. 5,685,152, U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,804), the condenser's liquefiedworking fluid was fed by gravity into a 1^(st) valve leading into a heatexchanger. The 1^(st) valve was closed, and a 2^(nd) valve bled theliquid working fluid by gravity from the heat exchanger down into thevaporizer where it was heated. In the present invention, the condensedfluid is heated before it enters the vaporizer. In a portion of thepresent method, a 1^(st) valve leading into a heat exchanger is openedthrough which enters a condensed fluid, the 1^(st) valve is closed, thecondensed fluid is heated to a predetermined temperature, a 2^(nd) valveleading out of the heat exchanger is opened, the fluid exits the heatexchanger and enters the vaporizer where it is vaporized.

ADVANTAGE OF THE PRESENT METHOD

One advantage of the change in method, that is, by heating the condensedfluid in the 2^(nd) heat exchanger before its passage through the 2^(nd)valve on its way to the vaporizer, the heated condensed fluid nowprovides a high vapor pressure that assists the condensed vapor to fallinto the vaporizer. This property eliminates the partial vacuum vaporlock that might otherwise prevent a low pressure fluid from falling bygravity through two vessels separated by a constrictive orifice (in thiscase, from the 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) through the 2^(nd) valve (51)and into the vaporizer (10)). In other words, it eliminates the need ofhigh pressure vapor to rise upward from the vaporizer and pass throughthe valve in order to displace condensed vapor in the 2^(nd) heatexchanger. The problem that is now avoided is similar in effect toholding water in a sipping straw with one's index finger covering thetop of the straw. By eliminating the partial vacuum vapor lock (that is,by increasing the vapor pressure in the 2^(nd) heat exchanger), we are,in effect, raising our finger from the top of the straw. The condensedworking fluid falls by gravity into the vaporizer. True, the vapor lockcan be avoided by proper design of the three components involved in thestep, as has been demonstrated repeatedly by the inventor in thelaboratory. However, the new method reduces the cost and size of thecomponents greatly and adds flexibility of design to the furtherdevelopment of larger power plants.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In one embodiment of the present invention, the energy conversion systemincludes:

-   a thermal energy source (80) in thermal communication with a    vaporizer (10), and in thermal communication with a 2^(nd) heat    exchanger (41);-   a vaporizer (10) for vaporizing a thermal fluid at a high pressure    having a vaporizer output supplying high pressure thermal fluid;-   an expansion device (20) in fluid communication with said vaporizer    output for expanding said high pressure thermal fluid and providing    a low pressure thermal fluid at an output of said expansion device,    said expansion device (20) also supplying useful mechanical power,    and/or a refrigeration effect for cooling an enclosed space;-   a 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) in thermal communication with a thermal    sink (90), and in fluid communication to said output of said    expansion device (20) for cooling and condensing said low pressure    thermal fluid, producing condensed thermal fluid, said 1^(st) heat    exchanger (40) also supplying a predetermined reserve capacity for    receiving said condensed thermal fluid, said 1^(st) heat exchanger    (40) having an output controlled by a 1^(st) valve (50);-   a 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) in thermal communication with a thermal    sink (90) and with said thermal energy source (80), said 2^(nd) heat    exchanger (41) positioned and connected to 1^(st) valve (50) to    accept said condensed thermal fluid from said 1^(st) heat exchanger    (40) by gravity when said 1^(st) valve (50) is opened, said 2^(nd)    heat exchanger (41) including at its output a 2^(nd) valve (51);-   said vaporizer (10) positioned and connected to said 2^(nd) valve    (51) to accept said condensed thermal fluid by gravity from said    2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) when said 2^(nd) valve (51) is opened;-   whereby said 1^(st) valve (50), 2^(nd) valve (51) and 2^(nd) heat    exchanger (41) may be operated to permit intermittent passage of    said condensed thermal fluid from said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) to    said vaporizer (10) without causing substantial reduction of    pressure in said vaporizer (10), and without causing substantial    increase of pressure in said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40).

Method of Operation in the Preferred Embodiment

The method of operation of the preferred embodiment requires:

-   the directing of thermal energy from a thermal energy source (80)    into a vaporizer (10);-   vaporizing a thermal fluid to provide a high pressure thermal fluid;-   expanding said thermal fluid in an expansion device (20) to produce    a low pressure thermal fluid and useful mechanical power and/or    refrigeration effect to cool an enclosed space;-   removing heat, condensing and accumulating said thermal fluid in a    1^(st) heat exchanger (40) to provide an accumulated condensed    thermal fluid;-   passing, using gravity, said accumulated condensed thermal fluid    through a 1^(st) valve (50) to a 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) by    opening said 1^(st) valve (50);-   allowing a pre-determined volume of said condensed thermal fluid to    enter said 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41);-   closing said 1^(st) valve (50);-   heating said condensed thermal fluid in said 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41) to a pre-determined temperature;-   opening a 2^(nd) valve (51);-   passing said condensed thermal fluid from said 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41) through said 2^(nd) valve (51), using gravity, to said    vaporizer (10);-   closing said 2^(nd) valve (51); and-   cooling the remaining non-condensed thermal fluid of said 2^(nd)    heat exchanger (41) until the pressure in said 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41) is not substantially higher than the pressure of said condensed    thermal fluid accumulating in said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40).

The method is continuously repeatable, and provides non-stop operationof the expansion device for as long as a heat source is provided.

All thermodynamic cycles in which working fluid is pumped into a boiler,evaporator or vaporizer for recycling, including Rankine cycles,combined cycles, and cycles utilizing superheating, extraction steam,reheat, recuperated heat, regenerated heat, cycles utilizing a singleworking fluid, cycles in which more than one working fluids are combinedor combined and consequently separated, can be modified to accommodatethe method and apparatus described herein. In these cases, theconventional feed pumps would be replaced with 1^(st) heat exchanger(40) acting solely as a receiver, 1^(st) valve (50), 2^(nd) heatexchanger (41), and 2^(nd) valve (51), positioned serially and relativeto gravity to accept condensed thermal fluid from said 1^(st) heatexchanger/receiver (40) to 1^(st) valve (50), to 2n heat exchanger (41),to 2^(nd) valve (51) to a boiler, evaporator or vaporizer.

The working fluid can consist of a single fluid, or more than one fluid.

The expansion engine (20) can be one, more than one, or a combination ofreciprocating, turbine, expander, scroll expander, screw expander, orany type of expansion engines.

The expansion engine can be connected to an electric generator (30), arefrigeration compressor (30), a water pump (30), or any other devicewhich converts rotational power produced by the expansion engine into auseful product or function.

The expansion engine (20) can be used to provide a low temperatureexhaust for the purpose of producing a refrigeration effect for thecooling of an enclosed space. One example is the use of expanders toproduce an artificially low temperature exhaust condition for theseparation or condensation of vaporous petroleum raw materials. In sucha case, the rotational power is not the desired product. Rather, thetemperature reduction is key. Similarly in the present embodiment, anexpander can be used as an expansion device for the purpose of producingthe artificial low temperature condition, which will then be used forcooling an enclosed space.

A venturi device, often referred to as an ejector or eductor, as areknown to the art, can be substituted in place of an expansion engine ofthe first embodiment in order to produce a suction pressure in anevaporator. The 1^(st) heat exchanger or the 2^(nd) heat exchanger canfeed liquefied condensate to the evaporator. The resulting evaporationfrom the evaporator will produce a refrigeration effect in theevaporator for cooling an enclosed space. Similarly, aconverging/diverging nozzle, as is known to the art, similar to theconverging/diverging nozzle of a venturi device but without the presenceof both said evaporator and said suction pressure input, will produce arefrigeration effect at the nozzle output. The nozzle output, in thermalcommunication with an enclosed space, will serve as a heat sink forcooling an enclosed space.

The 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) removes thermal energy from the workingfluid, condenses the working fluid to its liquid state, and if soequipped, recuperates heat energy removed from the spent working fluid.The 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) also removes thermal energy from theworking fluid, also condenses the working fluid to its liquid state, andif so equipped, recuperates heat energy removed from the spent workingfluid.

Under certain conditions, heat exchanger (40) becomes a receiver (40),and may not require thermal communication with a thermal heat sink.

A thermal heat sink may be any of the type known to the art. Theatmosphere itself is a thermal heat sink, just as the water, ice, snowand earth absorb thermal energy at temperatures higher than themselves.Equipment known to the art and industry may be used to facilitate theaction of the heat sink in removing heat from 1^(st) and 2^(nd) heatexchangers. Artificially produced heat sinks may be employed to storepotential heat sink properties for use at a later time.

Notwithstanding the three embodiments herein presented, an astuteobserver should conclude that a combination of the embodiments is easilyaccomplished. Such a combination would, for example combine an electricpower plant with a refrigeration unit. Other combinations can include arefrigeration unit, an air conditioning unit, an electric generator, awater pump, an irrigation pump, an electrolysis unit for the productionof hydrogen, and other uses known to the art.

Second Embodiment—Venturi

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the energy conversionsystem includes:

-   thermal energy source (80) in thermal communication with a vaporizer    (10), and in thermal communication with a 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41);-   a vaporizer (10) for vaporizing a thermal fluid at a high pressure    having a vaporizer output supplying high pressure thermal fluid;-   a venturi device (21) in fluid communication with said vaporizer    output for expanding said high pressure thermal fluid, said venturi    device (21) having a low pressure venturi output supplying a low    pressure thermal fluid, said venturi device (21) also having a    venturi suction input supplying a suction pressure;-   an evaporator (60) in fluid communication with said venturi suction    input for producing a refrigeration effect for cooling an enclosed    space, said evaporator (60) having an evaporator input for receiving    liquefied working fluid;-   a 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) in thermal communication with a thermal    sink (90), said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) in fluid communication    with said low pressure venturi output, for cooling and condensing    said low pressure thermal fluid, producing condensed thermal fluid,    said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) also supplying a predetermined    reserve capacity for receiving said condensed thermal fluid, said    1^(st) heat exchanger (40) having an output controlled by a 1^(st)    valve (50), said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) having a 2^(nd) output    in fluid communication with said evaporator input for supplying a    portion of said condensed thermal fluid to said evaporator (60);-   a 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) in thermal communication with a thermal    sink (90) and with said thermal energy source (80), said 2^(nd) heat    exchanger (41) positioned to accept said condensed thermal fluid    from said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) by gravity when said 1^(st)    valve (50) is opened, said 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) including at    its output a 2^(nd) valve (51);-   said vaporizer (10) positioned and connected to said 2^(nd) valve    (51) to accept said condensed thermal fluid by gravity from said    2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) when said 2^(nd) valve (51) is opened;-   whereby said 1^(st) valve (50), said 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) and    said 2^(nd) valve (51) may be operated to permit intermittent    passage of said condensed thermal fluid from said 1^(st) heat    exchanger (40) to said vaporizer (10) without causing substantial    reduction of pressure in said vaporizer (10), and without causing    substantial increase of pressure in said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40).

Method of Operation in the Second Embodiment

The method of operation in the second embodiment requires:

-   the directing of thermal energy from a thermal energy source (80)    into a vaporizer (10);-   vaporizing a thermal fluid to provide a high pressure thermal fluid;    expanding said thermal fluid in a venturi device (21) to produce a    suction pressure in an evaporator (60), said suction pressure    causing the evaporation of working fluid in said evaporator (60)    resulting in a refrigeration effect in said evaporator (60) useful    for cooling an enclosed space, said venturi device (21) also    producing a low pressure thermal fluid;-   removing heat, condensing and accumulating said low pressure thermal    fluid in a 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) to provide an accumulated    condensed thermal fluid;-   passing a portion of said condensed thermal fluid to said evaporator    (60);-   intermittently passing, using gravity, said accumulated condensed    thermal fluid through a 1^(st) valve (50) to a 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41) by opening said 1^(st) valve (50);-   allowing a pre-determined volume of said condensed thermal fluid to    enter said 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41);-   closing said 1^(st) valve (50);-   heating said condensed thermal fluid in said 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41) to a pre-determined temperature;-   opening a 2^(nd) valve (51);-   passing said condensed thermal fluid from said 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41) through said 2^(nd) valve (51), using gravity, to said    vaporizer (10);-   closing said 2^(nd) valve (51); and-   cooling the remaining non-condensed thermal fluid of said 2^(nd)    heat exchanger (41) until the pressure in said 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41) is not substantially higher than the pressure of said condensed    thermal fluid accumulating in said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40).

The method is continuously repeatable, and provides non-stop operationof the venturi device for as long as a heat source is provided.

Third Embodiment—Converging/Diverging Nozzle

In a third embodiment of the present invention, the energy conversionsystem includes:

-   a thermal energy source (80) in thermal communication with a    vaporizer (10), and in thermal communication with a 2^(nd) heat    exchanger (41);-   a vaporizer (10) for vaporizing a thermal fluid at a high pressure    having a vaporizer output supplying high pressure thermal fluid;-   a converging/diverging nozzle (22) in fluid communication with said    vaporizer output for expanding said high pressure thermal fluid and    providing a low pressure thermal fluid at a converging/diverging    nozzle output, said converging/diverging nozzle (22) producing a    high speed low pressure thermal fluid at a temperature below that of    the ambient temperature at said converging/diverging nozzle output;-   a 3^(rd) heat exchanger (42) in fluid communication with said nozzle    output for cooling an enclosed space, said 3^(rd) heat exchanger    (42) having a 3^(rd) heat exchanger output;-   a 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) in thermal communication with a thermal    sink (90), said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) in fluid communication    with said 3^(rd) heat exchanger output for cooling and condensing    said low pressure thermal fluid, producing condensed thermal fluid,    said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) also supplying a predetermined    reserve capacity for receiving said condensed thermal fluid, said    1^(st) heat exchanger (40) having an output controlled by a 1^(st)    valve (50);-   a 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) in thermal communication with a thermal    sink (90) and with said thermal energy source (80), said 2^(nd) heat    exchanger (41) positioned to accept said condensed thermal fluid    from said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) by gravity when said 1^(st)    valve (50) is opened, said 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) including at    its output a 2^(nd) valve (51);-   said vaporizer (10) positioned and connected to said 2^(nd) valve    (51) to accept said condensed thermal fluid by gravity from said    2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) when said 2^(nd) valve (51) is opened;-   whereby said 1^(st) valve (50), 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) and    2^(nd) valve (51) may be operated to permit intermittent passage of    said condensed thermal fluid from said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) to    said vaporizer (10) without causing substantial reduction of    pressure in said vaporizer (10), and without causing substantial    increase of pressure in said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40).

Method of Operation in the Third Embodiment

The method of operation in the third embodiment requires:

-   directing thermal energy from a thermal energy source (80) into a    vaporizer (10);-   vaporizing a thermal fluid to provide a high pressure thermal fluid;-   first accelerating, then expanding said high pressure thermal fluid    through a converging/diverging nozzle (22),said converging/diverging    nozzle (22) producing a low pressure thermal fluid exhibiting a    temperature below that of the ambient temperature;-   passing said low temperature thermal fluid through a 3^(rd) heat    exchanger (42) resulting in a refrigeration effect in 3^(rd) heat    exchanger (42) for cooling an enclosed space;-   condensing and accumulating said low pressure thermal fluid in a    1^(st) heat exchanger (40) to provide an accumulated condensed    thermal fluid;-   intermittently passing, using gravity, said accumulated condensed    thermal fluid through a 1^(st) valve (50) to a 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41) by opening said 1^(st) valve (50);-   allowing a pre-determined volume of said condensed thermal fluid to    enter said 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41);-   closing said 1^(st) valve (50);-   heating said condensed thermal fluid in said 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41) to a pre-determined temperature;-   opening a 2^(nd) valve (51);-   passing said condensed thermal fluid from said 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41) through said 2^(nd)-   valve (51), using gravity, to said vaporizer (10);-   closing said 2^(nd) valve (51); and-   cooling the remaining non-condensed thermal fluid of said 2^(nd)    heat exchanger (41) until the pressure in said 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41) is not substantially higher than the pressure of said condensed    thermal fluid accumulating in said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40).

The method is continuously repeatable, providing continual operation ofthe expansion device.

Fourth Embodiment—Expander

In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the energy conversionsystem includes:

-   a thermal energy source (80) in thermal communication with a    vaporizer (10), and in thermal communication with a 2^(nd) heat    exchanger (41);-   a vaporizer (10) for vaporizing a thermal fluid at a high pressure    having a vaporizer output supplying high pressure thermal fluid;-   an expander (23), a turbine-like device for producing a low    temperature in a thermal fluid, in fluid communication with said    vaporizer output for expanding said high pressure thermal fluid and    providing a low pressure thermal fluid at an expander output, said    expander (23) producing a high speed low pressure thermal fluid at a    temperature below that of the ambient temperature at said expander    output;-   a 3^(rd) heat exchanger (42) in fluid communication with said    expander output for cooling an enclosed space, said 3^(rd) heat    exchanger (42) having a 3^(rd) heat exchanger output;-   a 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) in thermal communication with a thermal    sink (90), said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) in fluid communication    with said 3^(rd) heat exchanger output for cooling and condensing    said low pressure thermal fluid, producing condensed thermal fluid,    said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) also supplying a predetermined    reserve capacity for receiving said condensed thermal fluid, said    1^(st) heat exchanger (40) having an output controlled by a 1^(st)    valve (50);-   a 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) in thermal communication with a thermal    sink (90) and with said thermal energy source (80), said 2^(nd) heat    exchanger (41) positioned to accept said condensed thermal fluid    from said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) by gravity when said 1^(st)    valve (50) is opened, said 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) including at    its output a 2^(nd) valve (51);-   said vaporizer (10) positioned and connected to said 2^(nd) valve    (51) to accept said condensed thermal fluid by gravity from said    2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) when said 2^(nd) valve (51) is opened;-   whereby said 1^(st) valve (50), 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41) and    2^(nd) valve (51) may be operated to permit intermittent passage of    said condensed thermal fluid from said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40) to    said vaporizer (10) without causing substantial reduction of    pressure in said vaporizer (10), and without causing substantial    increase of pressure in said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40).

Method of Operation in the Fourth Embodiment

The method of operation in the fourth embodiment requires:

-   directing thermal energy from a thermal energy source (80) into a    vaporizer (10);-   vaporizing a thermal fluid to provide a high pressure thermal fluid;-   first accelerating, then expanding said high pressure thermal fluid    through an expander (23), said expander (23) producing a low    pressure thermal fluid exhibiting a temperature below that of the    ambient temperature;-   passing said low temperature thermal fluid through a 3^(rd) heat    exchanger (42) resulting in a low temperature in 3^(rd) heat    exchanger (42) for cooling an enclosed space;-   condensing and accumulating said low pressure thermal fluid in a    1^(st) heat exchanger (40) to provide an accumulated condensed    thermal fluid;-   intermittently passing, using gravity, said accumulated condensed    thermal fluid through a 1^(st) valve (50) to a 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41) by opening said 1^(st) valve (50);-   allowing a pre-determined volume of said condensed thermal fluid to    enter said 2^(nd) heat exchanger (41);-   closing said 1^(st) valve (50);-   heating said condensed thermal fluid in said 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41) to a pre-determined temperature;-   opening a 2^(nd) valve (51);-   passing said condensed thermal fluid from said 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41) through said 2^(nd) valve (51), using gravity, to said    vaporizer (10);-   closing said 2^(nd) valve (51); and-   cooling the remaining non-condensed thermal fluid of said 2^(nd)    heat exchanger (41) until the pressure in said 2^(nd) heat exchanger    (41) is not substantially higher than the pressure of said condensed    thermal fluid accumulating in said 1^(st) heat exchanger (40).

The method is continuously repeatable, providing continual operation ofthe expansion device.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a the first embodiment of the energyconversion system of the present invention. FIG. 1 includes a heatengine whose function is to provide rotational power to one or moreimplements such as a generator, pump, compressor, actuator, cutter, andother tools that convert rotational power into a useful product such aselectricity, irrigation, pumping, compressing, refrigerating, moving,powering, or any other product of the conversion of rotational power.

FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of a thermodynamic cycle including aventuri device for producing a vacuum effect above a containedrefrigerant, affecting a refrigeration effect in a closed space.

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of a thermodynamic cycle including aconvergent-divergent nozzle for producing a refrigeration effect in aclosed space.

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of a thermodynamic cycle including aturbo-expander for producing a refrigeration effect in a closed space.

The inventor has no patent attorney, and requests, if allowed, that theexaminer propose claims as he or she may deem fit to best protect theinventor's proprietary interests. Thank you.

1. A thermal power system comprising: a vaporizer for vaporizing athermal fluid at a high pressure having a vaporizer output supplyinghigh pressure thermal fluid; an expansion device in fluid communicationwith said vaporizer output for expanding said high pressure thermalfluid and providing a low pressure thermal fluid at an output of saidexpansion device, said expansion device also supplying mechanical powerand/or refrigeration for cooling an enclosed space; a 1^(st) heatexchanger connected to said output of said expansion device for coolingand condensing said low pressure thermal fluid, producing condensedthermal fluid, said 1^(st) heat exchanger also supplying a predeterminedreserve capacity for receiving said condensed thermal fluid, having anoutput controlled by a 1^(st) valve; a 2^(nd) heat exchanger inselective thermal communication with a heat sink and a thermal energysource, said 2^(nd) heat exchanger positioned to accept said condensedthermal fluid from said 1^(st) heat exchanger by gravity when said1^(st) valve is opened, said 2^(nd) heat exchanger including at itsoutput a 2^(nd) valve; said vaporizer positioned and connected to said2^(nd) valve to accept said condensed thermal fluid by gravity from said2^(nd) heat exchanger when said 2^(nd) valve is opened; whereby said1^(st) valve, 2^(nd) valve, and 2^(nd) heat exchanger may be operated topermit intermittent passage of said condensed thermal fluid from said1^(st) heat exchanger to said vaporizer without causing substantialreduction of said pressure in said vaporizer.
 2. A method of operating apower plant comprising the steps of: vaporizing a thermal fluid toprovide a high pressure thermal fluid in a vaporizer; expanding saidthermal fluid to produce useful mechanical power and/or refrigerationeffect for cooling an enclosed space and a low pressure thermal fluid;cooling, condensing and accumulating said thermal fluid in a 1^(st) heatexchanger to provide a condensed thermal fluid; intermittently passing,using gravity, said accumulated condensed thermal fluid through a 1^(st)valve to a 2^(nd) heat exchanger by opening said 1^(st) valve; closingsaid 1^(st) valve; heating said accumulated condensed thermal fluid insaid 2^(nd) heat exchanger; opening a 2^(nd) valve; passing saidaccumulated condensed thermal fluid from said 2^(nd) heat exchangerthrough said 2^(nd) valve, using gravity, to said vaporizer; closingsaid 2^(nd) valve; and cooling said 2^(nd) heat exchanger until thepressure in said 2^(nd) heat exchanger is not substantially higher thanthe pressure of the condensed thermal fluid accumulating in 1^(st) heatexchanger.
 3. A refrigeration system comprising: a vaporizer forvaporizing a thermal fluid at a high pressure having a vaporizer outputsupplying high pressure thermal fluid; a venturi device in fluidcommunication with said vaporizer output for expanding said highpressure thermal fluid and providing a low pressure thermal fluid at aventuri output of said expansion device, said expansion device alsosupplying suction pressure at a venturi suction input; an evaporator influid connection with said venturi suction input, said evaporator alsohaving an evaporator input, for cooling an enclosed space; a 1^(st) heatexchanger in fluid connection to said venturi output of said venturidevice for cooling and condensing said low pressure thermal fluid, said1^(st) heat exchanger also in fluid connection with said evaporatorinput, said 1^(st) heat exchanger also supplying a predetermined reservecapacity for receiving said condensed thermal fluid, having an outputcontrolled by a 1^(st) valve; a 2^(nd) heat exchanger in selectivethermal communication with a heat sink and a thermal energy source, said2^(nd) heat exchanger positioned to accept said condensed thermal fluidfrom said 1^(st) heat exchanger by gravity when said 1^(st) valve isopened, said 2^(nd) heat exchanger including at its output a 2^(nd)valve; said vaporizer positioned and connected to said 2^(nd) valve toaccept said condensed thermal fluid by gravity from said 2^(nd) heatexchanger when said 2^(nd) valve is opened; whereby said 1^(st) valve,2^(nd) valve, and 2^(nd) heat exchanger may be operated to permitintermittent passage of said condensed thermal fluid from said 1^(st)heat exchanger to said vaporizer without causing substantial reductionof said pressure in said vaporizer.
 4. A method of operating arefrigeration system comprising the steps of: vaporizing a thermal fluidto provide a high pressure thermal fluid in a vaporizer; expanding saidthermal fluid in a venturi device to produce both a low pressure thermalfluid at a venturi output and a suction pressure at a venturi suctioninput; evaporating a thermal fluid from an evaporator through saidventuri suction input, inducing a refrigeration effect within saidevaporator for cooling an enclosed space; cooling, condensing andaccumulating said thermal fluid in a 1^(st) heat exchanger to provide acondensed thermal fluid; passing a portion of said accumulated condensedthermal fluid to said evaporator to maintain a presence of condensedthermal fluid in said evaporator; intermittently passing, using gravity,said accumulated condensed thermal fluid through a 1^(st) valve to a2^(nd) heat exchanger by opening said 1^(st) valve; closing said 1^(st)valve; heating said accumulated condensed thermal fluid in said 2^(nd)heat exchanger; opening a 2^(nd) valve; passing said accumulatedcondensed thermal fluid from said 2^(nd) heat exchanger through said2^(nd) valve, using gravity, to said vaporizer; closing said 2^(nd)valve; and cooling said 2^(nd) heat exchanger until the pressure in said2^(nd) heat exchanger is not substantially higher than the pressure ofthe condensed thermal fluid accumulating in 1^(st) heat exchanger.
 5. Arefrigeration system comprising: a vaporizer for vaporizing a thermalfluid at a high pressure having a vaporizer output supplying highpressure thermal fluid; a converging/diverging nozzle in fluidcommunication with said vaporizer output for expanding said highpressure thermal fluid and providing a below ambient temperature lowpressure thermal fluid at an output of said converging/diverging nozzle;a 3^(rd) heat exchanger in fluid communication with said output of saidconvergent/divergent nozzle for cooling an enclosed space, having a3^(rd) heat exchanger output; a 1^(st) heat exchanger in fluidcommunication with said output of said 3^(rd) heat exchanger for coolingand condensing said low pressure thermal fluid, producing condensedthermal fluid, said 1^(st) heat exchanger also supplying a predeterminedreserve capacity for receiving said condensed thermal fluid, having anoutput controlled by a 1^(st) valve; a 2^(nd) heat exchanger inselective thermal communication with a heat sink and a thermal energysource, said 2^(nd) heat exchanger positioned to accept said condensedthermal fluid from said 1^(st) heat exchanger by gravity when said1^(st) valve is opened, said 2^(nd) heat exchanger including at itsoutput a 2^(nd) valve; said vaporizer positioned and connected to said2^(nd) valve to accept said condensed thermal fluid by gravity from said2^(nd) heat exchanger when said 2^(nd) valve is opened; whereby said1^(st) valve, 2^(nd) valve, and 2^(nd) heat exchanger may be operated topermit intermittent passage of said condensed thermal fluid from said1^(st) heat exchanger to said vaporizer without causing substantialreduction of said pressure in said vaporizer.
 6. A method of operating arefrigeration system comprising the steps of: vaporizing a thermal fluidto provide a high pressure thermal fluid in a vaporizer; expanding saidthermal fluid through a converging/diverging nozzle to produce a belowambient temperature low pressure thermal fluid; passing said belowambient temperature low pressure thermal fluid through a 3^(rd) heatexchanger for cooling an enclosed space; cooling, condensing andaccumulating said thermal fluid in a 1^(st) heat exchanger to provide acondensed thermal fluid; intermittently passing, using gravity, saidaccumulated condensed thermal fluid through a 1^(st) valve to a 2^(nd)heat exchanger by opening said 1^(st) valve; closing said 1^(st) valve;heating said accumulated condensed thermal fluid in said 2^(nd) heatexchanger; opening a 2^(nd) valve; passing said accumulated condensedthermal fluid from said 2^(nd) heat exchanger through said 2^(nd) valve,using gravity, to said vaporizer; closing said 2^(nd) valve; and coolingsaid 2^(nd) heat exchanger until the pressure in said 2^(nd) heatexchanger is not substantially higher than the pressure of the condensedthermal fluid accumulating in 1^(st) heat exchanger.
 7. A refrigerationsystem comprising: a vaporizer for vaporizing a thermal fluid at a highpressure having a vaporizer output supplying high pressure thermalfluid; an expander in fluid communication with said vaporizer output forexpanding said high pressure thermal fluid and providing a below ambienttemperature low pressure thermal fluid at an output of saidconverging/diverging nozzle; a 3^(rd) heat exchanger in fluidcommunication with said output of said convergent/divergent nozzle forcooling an enclosed space, having a 3^(rd) heat exchanger output; a1^(st) heat exchanger in fluid communication with said output of said3^(rd) heat exchanger for cooling and condensing said low pressurethermal fluid, producing condensed thermal fluid, said 1^(st) heatexchanger also supplying a predetermined reserve capacity for receivingsaid condensed thermal fluid, having an output controlled by a 1^(st)valve; a 2^(nd) heat exchanger in selective thermal communication with aheat sink and a thermal energy source, said 2^(nd) heat exchangerpositioned to accept said condensed thermal fluid from said 1^(st) heatexchanger by gravity when said 1^(st) valve is opened, said 2^(nd) heatexchanger including at its output a 2^(nd) valve; said vaporizerpositioned and connected to said 2^(nd) valve to accept said condensedthermal fluid by gravity from said 2^(nd) heat exchanger when said2^(nd) valve is opened; whereby said 1^(st) valve, 2^(nd) valve, and2^(nd) heat exchanger may be operated to permit intermittent passage ofsaid condensed thermal fluid from said 1^(st) heat exchanger to saidvaporizer without causing substantial reduction of said pressure in saidvaporizer.
 8. A method of operating a refrigeration system comprisingthe steps of: vaporizing a thermal fluid to provide a high pressurethermal fluid in a vaporizer; expanding said thermal fluid through anexpander to produce a below ambient temperature low pressure thermalfluid; passing said below ambient temperature low pressure thermal fluidthrough a 3^(rd) heat exchanger for cooling an enclosed space; cooling,condensing and accumulating said thermal fluid in a 1^(st) heatexchanger to provide a condensed thermal fluid; intermittently passing,using gravity, said accumulated condensed thermal fluid through a 1^(st)valve to a 2^(nd) heat exchanger by opening said 1^(st) valve; closingsaid 1^(st) valve; heating said accumulated condensed thermal fluid insaid 2^(nd) heat exchanger; opening a 2^(nd) valve; passing saidaccumulated condensed thermal fluid from said 2^(nd) heat exchangerthrough said 2^(nd) valve, using gravity, to said vaporizer; closingsaid 2^(nd) valve; and cooling said 2^(nd) heat exchanger until thepressure in said 2^(nd) heat exchanger is not substantially higher thanthe pressure of the condensed thermal fluid accumulating in 1^(st) heatexchanger.